the obamaed administration, however, is ruling out any negotiating with the terrorists. >> the united states does not negotiate with terrorists. >> again, this is an ongoing operation as far as we know, still conflicting information for a third day in exactly what is happening, how many people have been released, et cetera. but, wolf, you can certainly say that the countries that are involved and that includes japan, have been talking around the clock nonstop about this and coordinating their activities, which the secretary says is really key to this. >> jill doherty with the latest at the state department. thank you. >>> experts say the terrorist attack was sophisticated and likely planned well in advance of this week. they are pointing to a man known as the so-called jihad prince as the possible mastermind. cnn's brianed to has been looking into this individual. what are you finding out? >> wolf, his name is mokht mokhtar belmokhtar, known as a militant leader. he's one of the most wanted men in that region. he's got a lot of nicknames. each one bolstering the image of a seasoned mi